Mikel wants to lead Super Eagles in Egypt

Absentee Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has confirmed he is available to return to the team for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The former Chelsea star last played for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and was not involved in the qualifying matches for Egypt 2019.

“Mikel has met with coach (Gernot) Rohr in England and he has confirmed he will feature at the Nations Cup in Egypt,” said a top team official of the Nigeria Football Federation was quoted as saying.

At the World Cup in Russia in 2018, he was not definitive about when he would retire from the national side when asked by journalist on life after the World Cup.

The former Chelsea midfielder now with English Championship side Middlesbrough, has won 85 caps and scored six goals since his full international debut in 2005 against Libya.

His expected return though appears to be generating some controversies as keen followers of the team are divided over whether he should be allowed to return. And as an extension if he should be allowed to retain the captain’s band after such a long absence from the team.

The tournament in Egypt is widely seen as the last outing for the player in international football.